Devotions this week based on the Message: “Fear or Faith?”
“I’m sorry. I forgot.”
How many times have you used that phrase? (More than we care to admit, right?)
When we forget something, it often leads to more work.
You forget something on the shopping list…another trip to the store.
You forgot to put a bolt back in when fixing the car…take it apart and redo it.
You forgot part of your homework assignment…do it over again.
You forgot an appointment…you have to wait to reschedule.
You forget God’s promises…you spend a lot of extra time living in fear, worry and anxiety.
We just do.
Jesus had told his disciples when they got into the boat, “Let us go over to the other side.” (Mark 4:35)
When the storm came up, the disciples were convinced they were going to drown. But…Jesus was sleeping. How could Jesus sleep while the disciples panicked for their lives? The disciples forgot what Jesus said or didn’t believe what he said.
It seems like a small detail, but when Jesus speaks, we can trust what he says is going to happen.
Jesus doesn’t want us going through life in fear, but rather able to have peace of mind and heart. He told his disciples and reminds us too:
John 14:27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
What let’s us “sleep in the stern of the boat” when the storms of life rage around us?
Remembering God’s promises.
Here’s a great example from Easter morning. The women were panicked that the body was missing from the tomb. Here’s what the angel said:
Luke 24:6 He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: 7 ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ ” 8 Then they remembered his words.
With a reminder of Jesus’ words, the hearts of the women turned from fear to peace.
What promises of Jesus would help you today? What promises have you forgotten that would restore peace in your heart and let you sleep through the storm (perhaps even physically getting more sleep!)
Here’s three that might help:
Feeling alone through a challenge? Remember what Jesus said, “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20)
Facing a challenge bigger than you can handle? Remember God’s Words to Joshua, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”(Deuteronomy 31:6)
Anxious about the kids? Finances? Your job? Remember what Jesus said, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? (Matthew 6:25-26)
Apply: Identify what is creating fear in your heart today. What promise of God will help? Here’s a website with many promises listed: https://www.biblestudytools.com/topical-verses/gods-promises-verses-in-the-bible/
Prayer: Lord, thank you for your promises and people in my life to remind me of them! Amen.